Abstract:

One of the most preferred protected areas within the scope of recreation/tourism activities in Turkey is natural parks. In addition, lakes, which are important habitats for flora and fauna communities, are recreationally popular areas of aesthetic importance. Salda Lake Nature Park is one of the most important nature parks in Turkey with its unique sands, a sensitive ecological structure. The number of visitors to the Nature Park is increasing day by day. For this reason, considering that the sustainability of both Salda Lake and Salda Lake Nature Park is closely related to the recreational carrying capacity of the park, the Physical Carrying Capacity (FTK), Actual Carrying Capacity (GTK) and Effective Carrying Capacity (ETK) of the Salda Lake Nature Park analyzes were carried out. When the current visitor numbers are compared with the FTK, it has been determined that weekdays (1168 visitors/day) do not exceed the physical capacity, but weekend uses (2070 visitors/day) are above the physical capacity. It has been observed that only 62% of the physical capacity can be used within the existing facilities (existing personnel, infrastructure, superstructure, and facilities), so the ETK is lower. It has been suggested to develop reservation systems and differential pricing policies in order to prevent overuse of the FTK.

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